The United Kingdom’s unemployment rate edged up to 4.6% in the three months to April 2025 from 4.5% in the previous period, matching market expectations. This marked the highest level since the three months ending in August 2021, driven by an increase in the number of people unemployed for up to six months and those unemployed for over 12 months. Conversely, the number of people unemployed for over six months but less than 12 months declined. On an annual basis, unemployment increased for both those unemployed up to 12 months and those unemployed for over 12 months. Meanwhile, the number of employed individuals rose by 89 thousand to 34.01 million, marking the smallest increase in employment so far this year, with gains driven by higher numbers of both part-time and full-time workers. The number of people holding second jobs also rose, now accounting for 4% of all employed individuals. Lastly, the economic inactivity rate decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 21.3%.